Plant Pest Control Branch

Eradicates, contains, or controls pests of plants which could cause significant economic damage to agriculture, our environment, and quality of life. Also certifies and inspects seeds.

The primary mission of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Pest Control Branch is to provide a favorable environment for agricultural development in Hawaii by limiting plant pest populations that have the potential to cause significant economic damage. This is achieved through statewide programs using chemical, mechanical, biological, and integrated control measures to eradicate or control plant pests, including insects and mites, molluscs, weeds, and plant pathogens.

New Pest Advisories keep the public abreast of new threats to our environment (see below). Other responsibilities of the branch include certification of seed and inspection and certification of honey bee queens for export.

The Plant Pest Control Branch is composed of three sections:

  • The Biological Control Section engages primarily in work commonly referred to as “classical” biological control, the importation and colonization of natural enemies (predators, parasites, and pathogens) to control pests.
  • The Chemical/Mechanical Control Section uses chemical (pesticides) and/or mechanical (roguing, trapping, digging, etc.) methods to control plant pests such as insects, snails, noxious weeds, and plant diseases. Whenever possible, chemical and mechanical methods are integrated, resulting in an optimum level of control with fewer chemicals. The Chemical/Mechanical Control Section is also called upon to act on plant pests in the early stages of infestation when there is a chance for eradication.
  • Apiary Program

 

PROGRAM NEWS:

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles have been found on Kauai

Two coconut rhinoceros beetles have been found on Kauai near Lihue Airport around the Lihue Transfer Station. This is the first detection of CRB outside of Oahu. Crews from the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Team have been deployed to Kauai to aid in the surveying of the area. The County of Kauai has closed the green waste facility at the Lihue Transfer Station until further notice.

Link to the news releases for more information:

 

NEW PROCEDURE FOR INSECT AND PLANT SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION ON OAHU

April 17, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 situation, the Plant Pest Control Branch on Oahu will only accept insect and plant samples submitted for identification by appointment only. Following social distancing recommendations, the branch will try to make identifications via email first and if necessary will request a sample.  For more detailed information on sample submission procedures, click here: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2020/04/Samples-for-ID-for-front-office4-17-20.doc

If you have any further questions, you may contact PPC at (808) 973-9530 or email: [email protected]

 

*** TO REPORT A PEST, CALL THE TOLL-FREE PEST HOTLINE AT:  643-PEST (7378) ***

Plant Pest Control Information:

New Pest Advisories

Contact Information:

email: [email protected]   

Oʻahu

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Plant Pest Control Branch
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Phone: (808) 973-9530

Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Plant Pest Control Branch
4398A Pua Loke Street
Līhuʻe, HI 96766-1673
Phone: (808) 241-7138

Maui Nui (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi)
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Plant Pest Control Branch
635 Mua Street
Kahului, HI 96732-2322
Phone: (808) 873-3555

Hawaiʻi
Hilo
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Plant Pest Control Branch
16 East Lanikaula Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 974-4140

Kona
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust Subsidy Program
82-6130 Māmalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
Phone: (808) 323-7578

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab (Little Fire Ants)

Contact Us

Oʻahu
Phone: (808) 824-1366
Email: [email protected]

Hawaiʻi Island
Hilo
Phone: (808) 315-5656
Email: [email protected]

Kona
(808) 209-9014
Email: [email protected]